Making socket holder trays - Please help!

[BirdMobile]

Hello all!

I need to find a CHEAP source of metal dowel pins in these sizes:

1/4" Dia. x 5/8" Length
3/8" Dia. x 3/4" Length
1/2" Dia. x 7/8" Length

Precision of the pins is not critical, but I don't want to use roll pins or something equally rough. Stainless or brass would be ideal, but I'd be happy with chromed or black finish if either is more economical (which I expect they would be.)


Any thoughts or sources?

Thanks!

 

[BK13]

I'm no help, but it sounds like a cool project!

 

[BirdMobile]

I'm no help, but it sounds like a cool project!

I think it will be a fun project. If they work out well, I'd consider selling them... but they would probably be a bit pricey!

 

[BK13]

I thought about doing something simpler, just with plywood and dowels. You're sounds better!

 

[Bigplum]

Long bolts* then cut the hex head off , if you haven't got a lathe , round off the end in a drill with a touch of a angle grinder then wet & dry paper

*Coach bolts are cheap and have a lot of plain unthreaded bar

 

[diggerrick]

So it's not practical for you to buy 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" dia rod and cut to length?

You might also consider powder coating them different colors for inch and metric, and also for durabilty.

 

[BirdMobile]

So it's not practical for you to buy 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" dia rod and cut to length?

You might also consider powder coating them different colors for inch and metric, and also for durabilty.

I thought about this... but I'm going to need literally HUNDREDS of pins, and if I sell these I'll need hundreds more. It would be impractical to make that many with my manual equipment - maybe if I had a CNC shop - but I don't.

 

[kazlx]

Gang cut them in a band saw.

or:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-dowel-pins/=u2vugj

I've even used aluminum standoff spacers before that are very cheap to buy and could be easily be used in lieu of a dowel pin. Plus, they are center drilled so you don't have to worry about them popping out from the compression.

 

[pendragon1998]

So...Westling socket holders aren't what you want?

 

[BirdMobile]

So...Westling socket holders aren't what you want?

Nope.

 

[Karl_B]

I want to build my own socket racks as well, but I will probably just do something really basic. Trays to hold the socket sets I have and maybe leave out a couple of sizes I don't normally use on a give drive.

Another thread has a link to these at Harbor Freight. I ordered a magnet capable of lifting 80 pounds from an online retailer a while back, but I'm afraid I don't remember who. They seemed to have good prices at the time.

My plans have been put on hold while I look for a replacement for my broken drill press. I just can't seem to find one I like that is cheap enough to suit me. The last one was $20.

 

[diggerrick]

1/4" x 5/8" Dowel Pins

 

[raiderhillbilly]

Steel Dowel Pins.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ste...s&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&tbm=shop

 

[BirdMobile]

1/4" x 5/8" Dowel Pins

Thank you! Nice price.

 

[2oolhound]

don't forget the pass trough hole on the smaller size sockets is less than the drive size. You'll have to check your own brand to see how small a dowel you need to use for the small ones.

 

[arrowhead]

I also need a CHEAP source of small diameter rare earth magnets - I'm thinking 3/16" or 1/8" diameter cylindrical "buttons" would be ideal.

Just had a thread about these yesterday - but might not be quite the right size

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264667&highlight=magnet

 

[SASORacing]

pins that require a lot of force (or any force or persuasion for that matter) are very annoying when trying to put a socket back. Choose wisley.

 

[that-guy]

I would just go to any hardware that holds steel rod, cut them to size, and weld to a steel tray. paint, powdercoat, whatever...DONE!!!

 

[Dustin Pahl]

don't forget the pass trough hole on the smaller size sockets is less than the drive size. You'll have to check your own brand to see how small a dowel you need to use for the small ones.

Good point!!

 

[619DioFan]

What you are trying to make already exists. it is called the mag clip socket tray, made by triton products. available on amazon in various sizes. check it out.

 

[BirdMobile]

What you are trying to make already exists. it is called the mag clip socket tray, made by triton products. available on amazon in various sizes. check it out.

Thanks for the heads up.